![]() NPS/ Once used by Native Americans for food, the cones of the Utah juniper look similar to a berry. Juniper “berries” provide food for jackrabbits, foxes, coyotes and birds. This interaction is important to the tree as seeds pass through the digestive system and soften the seedcoats allowing for germination. Utah juniper commonly grows in shallow alkaline soils. Its extensive root system allows it to compete for water in the arid desert. Across the west, junipers have expanded their range into shrublands sometimes crowding out herbaceous and shrub species. The durable wood of Utah juniper resists decay making it an ideal material for fence posts. Additionally the wood has been used for firewood, pencils, construction, and Christmas trees. ![]() NPS/ Kenneth Ingham |
Last updated: January 15, 2020